Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Strong Farms, Strong Futures Act to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today introduced the Strong Farms, Strong Futures Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and ensure farmers receive the resources necessary to implement sustainable agricultural practices. “Our farmers feed the nation and power our economy. They’re stewards of the land and are at the heart of what makes Iowa great,” said Rep. Nunn . “This bill gives farmers the tools and flexibility they need to protect their soil, boost productivity, and keep Iowa’s land strong for the next generation. It’s a commonsense, market-based approach that rewards conservation and family farming.” This bill incentivizes agricultural producers to adopt sustainable practices, with a focus on conservation efforts that enhance soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It codifies and expands enhanced CSP practices, including a focus on perennial production systems and climate mitigation strategies to help producers implement effective, science-based strategies tailored to their land. Importantly, this bill requires inflation-adjusted payments to guarantee farmers receive fair compensation over time for their stewardship efforts. “This important legislation addresses longstanding challenges within the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) that places undue burdens on farmers. By modernizing the CSP renewal process, it ensures that farmers’ conservation practices are recognized, supported, and prioritized through inflation-adjusted payments and other incentives. This approach also allows for greater flexibility in conservation practices and acknowledges the diverse regional variations across the country.” said the Iowa Farm Bureau . “Farmers are deeply committed to caring for their land, but rising costs can make it challenging for many family farms to implement conservation measures. This bill presents a commonsense, farmer-centric approach that eliminates financial barriers and rewards conservation efforts.” “Investment in conservation on farms is essential to the long-term viability of our farms and communities,” said Sally Worley, Executive Director, Practical Farmers . “This bill helps farmers make investments to increase the resiliency of their farms, which is crucial to the future of our farm and food systems.” The Strong Farms, Strong Futures Act offers several key benefits to farmers and conservation efforts, including: Enhanced conservation incentives encouraging farmers to adopt advanced, sustainable practices Focus on perennial production systems including agroforestry, perennial grains, and silvopasture to improve long-term soil health and land resilience Climate mitigation bundles designed to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions Inflation-adjusted payments that reflect real-world costs for planning, materials, labor, and maintenance Improved access and flexibility for producers, including streamlined contract renewals and expanded eligibility for conventional and organic operations Text of the bill can be found here . ###